Varietal Composition 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8 % cabernet franc,
5% petit verdot
Harvest April 4 to 28; hand-harvested
Appellation Mendoza, Argentina
Vineyards in LujŠn de Cuyo and Maipķ
Climate Semi-desert; 2,933 to 3,514 feet elevation
Growing Season After the second dry winter in a row, in September, a large frost in Tupungato damaged shoots and clusters of Chardonnay, followed by a significant hail storm at the end of November that pelted several areas of Mendoza. Summer brought almost ideal conditions for ripening, with very good thermal amplitude leading to grapes with excellent concentration, and in the reds, intense color and very good structure.
Yield 2.53 to 4.46 tons/acre
Primary Fermentation Fermented with selected and native yeasts in 8 to 18 ton closed-top stainless steel fermentors
Maceration 2 to 3 day cold soak; 16 days total maceration
Secondary Fermentation Native malolactic fermentation in barrel; 4 months to completion
Barrel Aging 8 months in American and French oak barrels; 20% new
Tasting Notes Bright, deep red, brimming with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, and cassis with a fresh mint note throughout. The palate is perfectly balanced, with concentrated cassis and white pepper, bright acidity and ripe, fine grain tannins that support the structure.